Know About The Fifth Guru Of Sikhs.

Shree Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Shree Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs, was a luminous soul who brought the Sikh faith to a new pinnacle of spiritual depth, literary richness, and societal foundation. Born on 15th April 1563 in Goindwal Sahib, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was the youngest son of Guru Ram Das Ji and Mata Bhani Ji, who was the daughter of Guru Amar Das Ji, the third Guru. This lineage of divine grace and wisdom paved the way for Guru Arjan Dev Ji to blossom into a spiritual giant and compassionate leader.

From a young age, Arjan Dev Ji showed signs of deep spirituality, intelligence, and humility. His parents ensured he received a sound education in both religious and worldly matters. He immersed himself in scriptural studies, Gurmukhi, Persian, and spiritual practices. He was calm, reflective, and devoted to service — traits that would become central to his leadership. During his youth, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was sent to Lahore to live with his maternal uncle, where he further developed his love for spiritual poetry and music. His letters (Shabd Hazare) sent to his father during this time are a testament to his devotional intensity and poetic brilliance.

🔸Family Life of Guru Arjan Dev Ji.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji was married to Mata Ganga Ji, a woman of deep faith and humility. For many years, the couple had no children, until the blessings of Baba Budha Ji led to the birth of Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, who later became the sixth Guru. He also had a close relationship with Bhai Gurdas Ji, his cousin and a key scholar of Sikhism, who helped in the scribing of the Adi Granth and spreading the message of the Guru.

🔸Guruship and Turning Point.

In 1581, Guru Ram Das Ji appointed his youngest and most spiritually aligned son, Arjan Dev Ji, as the Fifth Guru of the Sikhs. This transition marked a significant turning point in Sikh history. Guru Arjan Dev Ji inherited a rapidly growing community and took upon himself the sacred duty of strengthening its spiritual, social, and physical foundations. Despite facing jealousy and opposition from some relatives, Guru Arjan Dev Ji maintained his grace and dignity. He never retaliated with anger but with wisdom and love, further endearing him to the Sikh Sangat.

🔸Compilation of the Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib).

One of Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s most monumental contributions was the compilation of the Adi Granth, the sacred scripture of Sikhism. Recognizing the need to preserve the pure teachings of the Gurus and saints, he collected hymns of the first four Gurus, as well as those of Bhagats from diverse backgrounds—Hindu, Muslim, and others—who shared a universal message of love and devotion to One God. In 1604, Guru Arjan Dev Ji installed the Adi Granth at Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple), with Bhai Gurdas Ji as the first Granthi (scripture reader). This act was a revolutionary spiritual step, signifying that divine truth transcends caste, creed, and religion.

🔸Construction of Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple).

Guru Arjan Dev Ji oversaw the completion of Harmandir Sahib, the spiritual and geographical center of Sikhism. He designed the shrine to have four entrances, symbolizing openness to all communities and faiths—a radical statement in an era of social division. He also completed the surrounding Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar), which gives Amritsar its name. The temple was not built on a raised platform, signifying humility and equality.

🔸Teachings and Philosophy.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s teachings emphasized:

  • Naam Simran (Remembrance of God)
  • Seva (Selfless Service)
  • Vichaar (Reflection)
  • Equality of all human beings
  • Universal brotherhood and peace

His Bani is filled with metaphors of divine love, inner peace, human suffering, and liberation through Naam. One of his most famous verses:

“ਥਿਰ ਘਰਿ ਬੈਸਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਜਨ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਤੁਮਰੇ ਕਾਜ ਸਵਾਰੇ ॥”
O beloved devotee of the Lord, remain steady in your own home; the True Guru will take care of your affairs.

🔸Martyrdom – The First Martyr of Sikhism

Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s commitment to righteousness led to the first martyrdom in Sikh history. His growing influence and the increasing number of Sikhs alarmed the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, who accused the Guru of supporting a political rebellion and of promoting a faith different from Islam. In 1606, Guru Arjan Dev Ji was arrested and taken to Lahore, where he was subjected to brutal torture for five days. He was made to sit on a burning iron plate, hot sand was poured over his body, and yet he never cried out in pain or cursed his tormentors. His divine words during his martyrdom remain eternally inspirational:

“Tera Kiya Meetha Laage, Har Naam Padarath Nanak Maange.”
O Lord! Sweet is Your Will. Nanak seeks only the gift of Your Name.
Guru Arjan Dev Ji peacefully merged with the Divine in 1606, becoming a beacon of sacrifice for truth, justice, and spiritual freedom.

🔸Legacy

Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s legacy is unparalleled. He laid the spiritual, institutional, and architectural foundations of Sikhism as we know it today. His martyrdom changed the course of Sikh history—it inspired Sikhs to not only meditate and serve but also stand against oppression and injustice. His contribution to Sikh scripture, community building, and interfaith unity continues to inspire millions around the world. The Golden Temple, the Guru Granth Sahib, and the spirit of martyrdom are living symbols of his divine mission.

🔸Conclusion

Guru Arjan Dev Ji’s life was a divine symphony of love, sacrifice, vision, and strength. He gave the Sikh faith a scripture, a temple, and a testimony of courage. In the glow of his martyrdom, the Sikh community found not despair, but resolve and purpose. His voice echoes eternally through the pages of the Guru Granth Sahib, and his spirit lives in every Sikh heart that stands firm in truth, service, and devotion to the One.